Cotton yarn drives textile export growth amid declining imports, DGCIS

India’s textile and apparel sector, including handicrafts, recorded a 7 per cent growth in exports during April-October FY 2024-25, reaching $21,358 million compared to $20,007 million in the same period last year, as per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) provisional data. Cotton textiles, a major contributor, accounted for $7,082 million, marking a modest 1 per cent rise. Despite challenges, the sector highlights India’s growing production capacity and export potential.

Cotton yarn imports increased 13 per cent to $1,721 million during April-October FY 2024-25, driven by the need for long-staple cotton fibers. This growth aligns with rising domestic production capacity and increasing self-reliance amid robust demand. Cotton yarn remains vital in India's textile industry, bolstering its position as a global leader with 3.9 per cent of the global textile trade.

The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) segment led exports, with a 12 per cent increase to $8,733 million, followed by cotton textiles contributing 33 per cent of total exports. However, wool and handloom products experienced declines of 19 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.

India’s total textile imports, including handicrafts, saw a marginal 1 per cent dip to $5,425 million, reflecting the sector’s efforts to balance demand with local production and bolster its trade surplus. Key markets include the U.S. and the EU, accounting for nearly half of India’s exports.